Alleged Deepfake Video of Bollywood Star Promoting Political Party Sparks Legal Action

Maharashtra Police Investigates Complaint Against User for Manipulating Actor’s Statement in Favor of Congress

In a recent development, a controversial video allegedly depicting Bollywood icon Ranveer Singh endorsing the Congress party has stirred up legal trouble. According to sources, the Maharashtra police’s cyber division has initiated formal proceedings against an individual identified as X, who purportedly uploaded the video.

The complaint was lodged by Ranveer Singh’s father, Jagjit Singh Bhavnani, targeting the user @sujataindia1st. It was reported that on Tuesday, an official confirmed the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) in response to the complaint.

The genesis of the controversy lies in a manipulated video circulating on social media. Ranveer Singh, during a media interaction promoting a fashion event in Varanasi, reportedly praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The FIR states that the actor emphasized Modi’s efforts in preserving India’s cultural heritage while progressing towards modernity.

However, @sujataindia1st allegedly edited the video, creating a deepfake where Ranveer Singh appears to advocate for the Congress party. The fabricated clip portrays the actor endorsing the Congress’s stance on issues like injustice, unemployment, and development, contrary to his actual statements.

Ranveer Singh’s father asserted that the actor never made any such political endorsement and maintains no affiliation with any political party. The FIR, filed under relevant sections of the Information Technology Act and the Indian Penal Code, including 417 (cheating), 468 (forgery), and 469 (hurting reputation), aims to address the misuse of technology for deceptive purposes.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities emphasize the seriousness of the situation. Deepfake videos, convincingly manipulated to fabricate statements or actions, pose significant challenges in distinguishing truth from falsehood. The case underscores the growing concern over the misuse of technology to manipulate public opinion and influence political discourse.